Testing for multigroup equivalence of a measuring instrument: a walk through the process.
This article presents an overview and application of the steps taken in testing for the equivalence of a measuring instrument across one or more groups. Following a basic description of, and rationale underlying these steps, the process is illustrated with data comprising response scores to four nonacademic subscales (Physical SC [Ability], Physical SC [Appearance], Social SC [Peers], and Social SC [Parents]) of the Self Description Questionnaire-I for Australian (N = 497) and Nigerian (N = 439) adolescents. All tests for validity and equivalence are based on the analysis of covariance structures within the framework of CFA models using the EQS 6 program. Prospective impediments to equivalence are suggested and additional caveats proposed in the special case where the groups under study represent different cultures.
Byrne
Barbara M
BM
School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa-Ontario, Canada. bmbch@uottawa.ca
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001315:Australia / Q000208:ethnology; D003431:Cross-Cultural Comparison; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009549:Nigeria / Q000208:ethnology; D012649:Self Concept; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires